Commentaries

From a woman’s pew, a view of scandals within the scandal

Effie Caldarola is tired of people exploiting conservative or liberal agendas, of woman-excluding patriarchy, of boys-club clericalism. It's not time for Catholics to flee the church but to speak up and fight for it.

Euthanasia supporters tout autonomy of violence

Bobby Schindler details mounting evidence around the world, and coming to the U.S., for the normalization of intentionally killing vulnerable people at any age. Law and medicine are becoming weapons against human life.

As Sacred Heart Home closes, Dominican Sisters recall 88 years of service

Mother Mary Francis of the Hawthorne Dominican Sisters offered remarks at a Mass Aug. 27, just days before the home for patients with incurable cancer closed it doors. She thanked all the home's supporters, and pledged prayers for them.

Getting to know you: Study the past, value loved ones today

The work of Sister Anne Marie Burton, I.H.M., in the Archives of Immaculata University shows her the importance of sitting down with our forbears, courageous people who have wisdom to share.

Thousands of Hispanic Catholic leaders expecting Holy Spirit

Hosffman Ospino predicts that the call to live the Gospel authentically will resound at the "V Encuentro," a national meeting of Latino Catholic ministry taking place in Dallas Sept. 20- 23.

The desert experience: Rediscovering dependence on God

Moises Sandoval revisits his childhood home in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico, where faith continues to flourish in a desert infused with God's presence.

Parents are vital to rebuilding the church

By raising their children in the faith, and by living it out themselves, parents can help to heal the wounded body of Christ, writes John Garvey. There's a lot riding on them right now.

Like good coaches, catechists help students encounter loving God for life

Catechetical Sunday, Sept. 16, celebrates the 5,000 volunteers who pass on the Catholic faith in parish religious education programs in the archdiocese. Ann Menna leads the effort, and points out an example of timely education.

Good and bad ideas emerging on church reform

Nobody said the solution to the clergy sexual abuse crisis would be easy, but some proposals from the right and the left (though partisan loyalties have no place in the body of Christ) would be ineffective, writes Richard Doerflinger.

It’s time to be saints so God can use us to transform the church

“The Borgia popes were worse! Pray, hope, and don’t ask questions!” Jessica Carney hears the platitudes, but suggests holiness is the best way to improve the church, and she offers 9 ways to up your spiritual game.